Category: Lifestyle

DIY /

WCPO, Cincy Lifestyle Segment: National Cranberry Day and Puff Pastry Swirls

I had the pleasure of hosting a television segment on Friday, November 20th with WCPO 9 News, Cincinnati.  The segment focused on celebrating National Cranberry Day which was right on time for the Thanksgiving holiday!
For many of us, cranberries are a staple side dish with our holiday feast but in the segment, I shared a new recipe, Cranberry Puff Pastry Swirls.
RECIPE:  Karen’s Naturals Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Swirls
Ingredients:
● 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
● 3 Tbsp salted butter, melted
● 6 oz. Brie cheese
● ¾ cup Karen’s Naturals Just Cranberries
● 3 Tbsp. cinnamon sugar
Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper
3. Dice Brie cheese and remove the rind
Instructions:
1. Unroll the puff pastry and brush with 1 Tbsp of melted butter
2. Sprinkle pastry with 1-2 Tbsp of cinnamon sugar
3. Sprinkle diced brie and cranberries evenly on top of the pastry
4. Beginning at the long end, tightly roll the pastry
5. Brush the pastry with the remaining melted butter
6. Coat the roll with cinnamon sugar
7. Cut the roll into 16 swirls
8. Place swirls onto a baking sheet
9. Bake for 15-25 minutes or until
This simple dish can be served for brunch or an additional pastry appetizer with a warm cup of holiday tea.  To watch the lifestyle segment, click on the link https://www.facebook.com/CincyLifestyle/videos/218152979726399
Lifestyle /

Check Out These Last-Minute Thanksgiving Desserts (That Aren’t Pie!)

This Thanksgiving will be anything but traditional, from the guest list to menu planning. Many people have decided that this is the year to stray from pumpkin and pecan pies and try out something completely new for Thanksgiving dessert!

TheSoul Publishing – the company behind some of the biggest viral videos on the web – and they have suggested some fun and different desserts to finish off this year’s Thanksgiving feast. Here are a few to tempt your appetite!:

  • Homemade Caramel Crème Bowls: Create a decadent and delicious caramel bowl filled with fluffy crème puffs – and top with chocolate! This is a treat that’s (almost) too good to eat. (Full instructions here.)
  • Oreo Ice Cream Pops: Is anything better than cookies and cream ice cream? Enjoy this childhood favorite after your Thanksgiving meal with homemade ice cream bars, covered in chocolate and the topping of your choice. (Full instructions here.)
  • Mini Cookie Crème Brûlée: This super-easy dessert has only four ingredients, and takes a fraction of the time that it usually takes to make crème brûlée. (Full instructions here.)
  • Molten Red Velvet Cake (In a Mug!): Scrumptious molten red velvet cake is quick to make with the help of pre-packaged cake mix, a white chocolate bar, and a microwave. This easy dessert has major “wow” factor! (Full instructions here.)
Celebrity /

EMMY-WINNING ACTRESS+ACTIVIST ZENDAYA ON ESSENCE’S NOV/DEC COVER

Zendaya is undoubtedly one of Hollywood’s brightest young stars – and one of Black Hollywood’s wildest dreams. At just 24 years old, the actress has led two successful series on two of the biggest networks in TV land; costarred in a huge blockbuster Marvel film; and become the youngest woman ever to win the Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a drama, Euphoria. As much as the actress and activist has broken barriers in her past, it’s her present and future in Hollywood that’s winning.

For ESSENCE’s November + December issue, Zendaya graces the cover with stunning and picturesque black and white imagery that pays tribute to icons of the past while squarely establishing her as a leading force in the present and an icon of the future. The special issue is part of the brand’s ongoing 50th anniversary celebration and also features Zendaya on three bonus digital covers (with fashion styling and creative direction led by renowned celeb stylist Law Roach.) In her cover story, A Work of Art, Zendaya talks to writer Sylvia Obell about everything from her historic Emmy win, speaking truth to power and carrying our legacy forward. She tells ESSENCE:

ON WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH HER MIND RIGHT BEFORE HER HISTORIC EMMY WINNING: “There’s a video of me that a family friend took while I was waiting, and you can see my leg shaking. In my head I was like, ‘Dude, just chill out. What will be, will be.’ I remember taking a deep breath, and then hearing my name, and then my family screamed. I was worried that if they kept screaming for too long, I wouldn’t have any time to actually say anything—but I didn’t want to stop them, because they were having a great time. It was a very special night. I’ll definitely remember that one forever…”

ON RECEIVING SUPPORT FROM OTHER BLACK WOMEN AFTER HER EMMY WIN: “I’m honored to have that support, especially from my fellow young Black creatives. Through this Emmy’s period, especially, I felt a strong sense of support within our community, which I’m really grateful for. I think what’s slowly starting to happen is, artists like Issa Rae and Lena Waithe have created opportunities that have resulted in more of us being in these rooms. That’s such a special feeling, and I think it’s definitely changing the idea that there can only be “one at a time,” which is false. I love to see that genuine love and respect for each other’s work. I hope that we continue to expand that in all kinds of beautiful ways, because I think we’re on a really good path…”

ON LAW ROACH’S CREATIVE + FASHION DIRECTION: “I also felt very excited that ESSENCE allowed Law [Roach] and me to be a part of the creative team and do something a little bit different. I had so much fun on this shoot paying homage to Donyale Luna, the first Black supermodel. A lot of what I do, specifically within fashion, is a tribute to fashion icons who came before me—many of whom are Black women. I love the way it turned out. I’m very proud of it. It’s one of my favorite cover shoots I’ve ever done.”

ON FILMING “MALCOLM & MARIE” WHEN THE PANDEMIC FIRST SHUT DOWN: “It was a dream, because I’ve always wanted to be able to just strip everything away. I love what I do—and like most people, I was finding ways to stay inspired and stay creative, and luckily I know people who are the same way. It was great sitting in a room with John David Washington, Marcell Rév and Sam [Levinson], literally writing scenes as we went, coming up with ideas as we moved through the characters, and finding new things every day. That was the coolest part. That is why I do this.”

HER NEW YEAR’S WISH FOR BLACK WOMEN: “For us to continue to fully realize our power and harness it to do great things, because we are incredibly powerful. We’re often convinced that we’re not, and taught to shrink—but we have to believe in our collective power. I always think of that Beyoncé song, ‘They’ll never take my power, my power, my power.’ Let’s take that energy into the new year…”

ESSENCE’s November + December issue also includes a special Election 2020 package featuring a History Maker profile on Vice-President Elect Kamala Harris and her historic run for the White House. In the piece, News & Politics editor Tanya Christian details her year-plus coverage of the Senator—including her live appearance at the 2019 ESSENCE Festival of Culture in New Orleans during her presidential run. The issue also features The Black Women Behind the Biden-Harris Campaign, an article showcasing key movers and shakers who helped drive the campaign to victory.

ESSENCE’s November + December issue hits newsstands on November 24th. For more on this issue, visit ESSENCE.com. (Photo, AB+DM) Also join the conversation @Essence. 

 

Lifestyle /

Nathalie Nicole, Host of the Women Who Boss Podcast, Chats with Special Guest Tamra Simmons

Women Who Boss (WWB) is dual company that focuses on for-profit endeavors celebrating and enhancing women through personal brand awareness. WWB mission is to create a social playground that shares knowledge to empower women to BELIEVE, BRAND & BUILD with each other. Our platform gives women the tools necessary to fuel their dreams and goals.

Our programs advocate physical, financial, spiritual, and mental wellness through weekly and monthly education, information, and activities.
Women Who Boss participates in global and community initiatives to give back through mentorship, networking, and leading by example.

Women Who Boss Network strives to connect and support women of all ages and backgrounds in taking control of their lives by “BOSSING UP” & building the brand of their dreams.

About Tamra Simmons

Tamra Simmons is the executive producer on the ground-breaking Lifetime documentary series, Surviving R. Kelly which has reached over 24.5 million viewers since its debut on Jan 3. She was previously a producer on Growing Up Hip Hop, Mary Mary, and a casting producer for major brands.

Tamra Simmons is on the fast trail to earning her place among iconic media moguls. In 2011, Simmons introduced dynamic and aggressive methods of marketing that essentially gave her first company, Revitalized Marketing Group, an ineluctable presence in and outside of the digital space. RMG’s rapid growth and over the top service made Simmons on the most sought after marketers from Miami to Dubai.

Implementing powerful influencer strategies, Simmons’ focus across departmental lines began shaping something greater than ROI at a time when that was the key focus in the market. In less than 24 months, RMG’s dashboard included market research, data analysis, media training, branding, crisis management, and bleeding-edge content creation.

Source: Real Screen

DIY /

National Dessert Day – Check Out These Delicious Dessert Hacks from TheSoul Publishing

Today is the most delicious holiday of them all—National Dessert Day!

To celebrate, TheSoul Publishing—the company behind some of the biggest viral videos on the Internet—has shared 28 Delicious Dessert Hacks in this video on their popular 5 Minute Crafts page. These yummy tips include:

  • Gummy Bear Popsicles: These sweet treats are simple to make: just fill popsicle molds with Sprite and colorful gummy bears, and pop them in the freezer!
  • Perfect Nutella Pancakes: By freezing discs of Nutella before adding to pancake batter on a griddle, you’ll get perfectly proportioned Nutella-filled pancakes every time.
  • Fancy Edible Flowers: Make gorgeous edible flowers worthy of The Great British Bake Off with only three pantry ingredients: marshmallows, powdered sugar, and food coloring!
  • Gooey Caramel Popcorn: This hack combines caramel candies, butter, and popcorn kernels to create a favorite sweet and salty treat.
  • And more!
Lifestyle /

Spiced + Spiked Mini Donuts You’ll “Fall” in Love With From BlissBomb

BlissBomb, a New York City company specializing in baked mini donuts, has recreated the “feels” and flavors of fall in baked mini donuts shipping nationwide and for sale locally in NYC.

BlissBomb launched three limited-time fall flavors today:  Spiked Pumpkin, Blueberry Pecan Pancake, and Chocolate Gingerbread. The flavors were conceived and hand created by BlissBomb executive pastry chef, Tarran Hatton, formerly with Milk Bar. Availability will last through December.

“While summer is a place – the beach, the lake, Disneyworld – fall is a feeling,” said Hatton. “Blueberry Pecan Pancakes feel like breakfast on a cozy Sunday morning. Each of our new flavors brings to mind a moment of autumn bliss with a few surprise twists we’ve baked in.”

 

Fall Flavor Descriptions

 

SPIKED PUMPKIN:   A spiced pumpkin and Mexican hot chocolate donut spiked with Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum.

BLUEBERRY PECAN PANCAKE:  This mini donut is stacked with house-made blueberry compote, toasted pecans, and maple brown butter.

CHOCOLATE GINGERBREAD:  Valrhona chocolate and Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur make this the most festive gingerbread house on the block.

BlissBomb will host a fall flavor tasting party at Barrow’s Intense Tasting Room in Brooklyn’s Industry City on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 7-9 p.m. Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur, used in the Chocolate Gingerbread donut, is made at this facility.

BlissBomb’s Beginnings

 

In May BlissBomb launched its nationwide ecommerce offering, shipping mini donuts in luxe gift boxes ($48) and DIY donut decorating kits ($40) anywhere in the U.S. NYC wholesale, delivery (GrubHub, DoorDash, Postmates, ezCater) and catering are also available.

BlissBomb believes donuts have not reached their full potential. Most are soft and sweet with undistinguishable flavors. Or they’re piled high with common household cereals, cookies, and candy bars with no thought to flavor balance or creativity.

BlissBomb chops, squeeze, zests, toasts, and crushes real fruits, nuts, spices, flowers, and other ingredients to infuse its donuts, glazes, and toppings with full-bodied flavor. Beyond their indulgence-encouraging mini size – 3-to-4 bites each – BlissBomb donuts are baked, which allows the flavors to blossom instead of being masked by frying oil. Nearly 25% of a fried donut’s weight comes from oil.

Evolving Ecommerce Treats

 

BlissBomb is bringing complete customization to the ecommerce treats category. Unlike most online treats that come in pre-set assortments, BlissBomb gift boxes can be customized with any flavors on the menu to create a more memorable gift or occasion. Customers can further personalize the gift with one of nine greeting cards exclusively designed and illustrated for BlissBomb.

 

About BlissBomb

BlissBomb is a baked mini donut business located in NYC’s Garment District. The company set out to make a better donut and to help people create moments of joy connecting with those who enrich their lives. The ecommerce site is located at www.bliss-bomb.com offering gift boxes and donut decorating kits with nationwide shipping. Locally BlissBomb mini donuts are available through delivery apps, online order pick-ups, catering, and wholesale. The brand can be found on Instagram and Facebook at @BlissBombJoy. Contact BlissBomb at customerservice@bliss-bomb.com or at 917-936-6251

Holiday Gift Guide /

Lifestyle Alert: Insider Tips On Taking Holiday Hosting To The Next Level

Whether you’re planning to host a casual night in or get creative with some holiday cheer, the nation’s most elite event planners, founder of Bluebird Productions, serial mompreneur Virginia Frischkorn and her expert team have the answers to make your hosting a whole lot easier.

Taking everything they know about successful hosting and delivering it straight to consumers through all you need to know digital boxes at bluebirdinabox.com.

Here’s a look inside this fall and winter’s most sought after online secrets:
  • Trick or Treat (Kids Halloween): Inspired by sweet tooths and pumpkin patches, this curated box reminds party-goers that Halloween is about more than dressing up and eating candy – it’s about creating an atmosphere of whimsy and true connection among both children and parents. Bluebird In A Box provides entertainment go-to’s that guarantee a day of loud laughter, creativity, and memories, with original activities like Mummy Racing, Pumpkin Patch Stomp, and Spaghetti Search. Serve up ghostly delights like Mummy Meatballs, Grapefruit “Pumpkins,” or Monster Pizzas. Whip up delectably ghastly drinks like Boo-Nilla Ice Cream Floats, Goosebumps Punch, or Vampire Juice. Plus, get costume ideas and tips for easy post-party cleanup.
  • Spooky Supper (Adult Halloween): This Bluebird box gives adults the excuse they need to revisit childhood costumes and experience that scary-movie-adrenaline-rush in the eerie glow of dramatic candlelight. Roll out the red carpet with horror flick recommendations, along with suggestions for spooktastic touches like bat sculptures. Enjoy killer cuisine like Black Magic Cake, Cider-Glazed Chicken Breast, or Taste of Fall Salad. Create creepy cocktails like The Cauldron, The Spooky Negroni, or Hocus Pocus Punch. Discover how to craft a scream-worthy centerpiece with tapered candles, pumpkins, pomegranates, figs, and cobwebs. Plus, get 2020’s best costume ideas (remember Tiger King and murder hornets?)
  • Friendsgiving: Create a new tradition, gathering with your besties and brothers-from-another-mother to give thanks without the obligatory side hugs and awkward conversations. Get the party started with movie recommendations and links to activities like Thanksgiving Bingo or Family Gathering Table Topics. Bring people together around delectable dishes inspired by Martha Stewart, Chrissy Tiegen, Ina Garten, and David Lebovitz. Browse wine pairings and soul-warming cocktail recipes like the classic Apple Toddy, Maple Manhattan, Hot Mulled Cider. Plus, get inventive decor ideas that set the scene for gratitude and sharing.
  • Pumpkin Spice: Settle in for a spirited event inspired by warm cider, crackling fireplaces, crisp autumn air, flannels, and cozy candlelit meals. Kick things off with our classic fall film recommendations and soulful guest gift ideas. Encourage collaboration and laughter with fun-filled activities like a murder mystery dinner or pumpkin carving kit, plus creative conversation starters. Enjoy mouthwatering delights inspired by culinary greats like Julia Child and Massimo Battura, including sweet and savory Fig Prosciutto Bites, Harvest Salad, Beef Bourguignon, and Pumpkin Coffee Cake. Set the mood with signature sips such as Fall Sangria, a Ginger Pear Snap, or Caramel Apple Pie Mocktail. Plus, get styling accents, wardrobe ideas, and more!

Lifestyle /

Boss Vibes: Self-Esteem, Success, and The Art of Etiquette Book Review

Are you ready to awaken the BOSS inside of you?  With the emerging entrepreneurial spirits and new business endeavors, there’s a vital need for personal branding.

Author, Nita Patel shipped me a copy of the book Boss Vibes.  The title alone was intriguing; it immediately sparked my interest.

Boss Vibes Background Details:

Boss Vibes takes a witty look at every aspect of etiquette (or what author Nita Patel defines as the meaning behind the manners), and why it’s better to do things this way than that, how behaving appropriately makes you a better person and improves the world around you, and why perfecting your brand will help you get ahead without sacrificing your authenticity—or benefiting at someone else’s loss.

In an authoritative and humorous style, Patel will make you think, as she covers some of the following topics—
• How what you wear brands your image for better or worse
• Building a public profile that will boost your personal confidence
• Workplace wisdom to boost your career
• The dual arts of conversation: talking, listening, and body language

What did I learn from reading Boss Vibes?

The chapter titled, Sassy or Classy describes what your clothes say about you and how to dress appropriately for every occasion. A few tips included, “the little black dress is a legend for a reason:  It can always be dressed up or down.”  Also, the author discussed tips for men and added a piece about grooming.

Personally, I enjoyed the Boss Vibes Never-Evers because Nita addressed concerns that are often overlooked.  For example, when attending a conference, always admit if you can’t remember someone’s name or be sure to use the individual’s name twice in a conversation to make a connection.

Nita Patel wrote a chapter for Teens titled, Simple Steps Lead to Greatness.  One starter tip included, make eye contact when you talk to someone.  I couldn’t agree more with that statement!

Visit Amazon to order a copy of Boss Vibes for yourself, business bestie, or upcoming graduate.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nita Patel is a speaker, author, and artist who believes in modern etiquette as a path to becoming our best selves.

Schooled in London and a veteran of corporate America, she has 20+ years in technology leadership and nurturing teams toward confidence and impact.

Essence Festival /

ESSENCE & MCDONALD’S HOLDS “MAKING MOVES NOW VIRTUAL BOOTCAMP” THIS SATURDAY

Calling all Gen Z entrepreneurs! Are you a young Black woman entrepreneur between the ages of 18 and 25 with a new or emerging business? ESSENCE and McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden movement are joining forces to inform, educate and empower the next generation of trailblazing Black women leaders through the Making Moves Now Virtual Bootcamp.

Tune in to ESSENCE.com on Saturday, September 19 at 11AM EST to hear valuable advice, lessons learned, and secrets to entrepreneurial success from a handful of young women who are thriving as business owners and want to help you do the same! Actress and host Khadeen Ellis and ESSENCE “Unbossed” Podcast host Marquita Harris will lead an afternoon of fun yet insightful programming featuring conversations with Blackgirl Sunscreen CEO Shontay Lundy, Actress and Social Media Guru Jasmine Luv and McDonald’s Executive Owner & Operator Marissa Fisher—with a special guest appearance from actress, singer & entrepreneur Ryan Destiny.

Plus, stick around as we close out the day with three rising young entrepreneurs who will share their business ideas with our panel and receive direct feedback on their presentations.

Following the Bootcamp, be sure to mark your calendars for the ESSENCE and McDonald’s Black and Positively Golden Making Moves Now Virtual Pitch Competition, presented in partnership with New Voices. The official pitch competition will take place on October 10, 2020, during the first-ever Girls United Virtual Summit. Join us to support a host of young Black women as they pitch their businesses for a chance to win thousands of dollars in funding and make even bigger moves in their community.

For more information on the Making Moves Now Virtual Bootcamp and to register, click HERE.

https://www.essence.com/news/essence-mcdonalds-making-moves-now-virtual-bootcamp/